Update!This project has been delayed while we await the necessary government approvals, but the funds have been set aside and are ready. We are optimistic that it will be completed this coming year. Pray with us that God will lead and direct this project as we cooperate with the local government and with MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship).
We will continue the online Prayer Gathering that we began last August to pray for the approvals needed from the local officials to go ahead with this project. We meet weekly to pray for this need and for the needs of all our LBIM missionaries. If you would like to join us, email [email protected] for info. |
2020 FOCUS PROJECTLBIM missionaries live in a town situated in a remote region of Chad. As such, there is little in the way of infrastructure. No public utilities. No grocery stores (except a weekly open-air market). No post office. No hospital. And the only access in and out is a dirt track used mostly by ox carts.
Why do they live in such a setting? Because it is there that they can live among, love and share the gospel with the people there, an ethnic group prevalent in this area of Chad; a people group that are “unreached” with the gospel. This people group has no Church in the context of their language and culture. They have no Bible in their language. Most would die without ever hearing a clear presentation of the gospel…unless people like our LBIM missionaries enter their world, learn their language, and share the gospel with them. And that is precisely what some are doing. LBIM missionaries and a team of Chadian Lutheran Brethren missionaries are working hard to bring the gospel to the people there. They have engaged in a multi-faceted ministry approach, including “Gethsémané de Meube”, a community elementary school with a strong Biblical curriculum. Other ministry projects include a Bible storying project where traditional Muslim story tellers have been coming together to learn and re-tell Bible stories in an oral format that is contextually relevant and Scripturally accurate, and Scripture translation in their language. LBIM is collaborating with MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) to install an airstrip in Chad. The current reality is that during the rainy season (lasting June through October), the dirt roads in and out of the area turn to mud and become un-navigable by vehicle. This poses a security and safety risk for the missionaries and their team, as we have no way to get them out in the case of a crisis (medical or otherwise). To mitigate this risk, LBIM has opted to move the missionaries to Ndjamena, the capital city, for the duration of the rainy season. This takes them away from their ministry for over 4 months of the year. |